The AN-16/i-M is a 3U-high rack-mounted mic- and line-level input device with sixteen high-quality microphone preamps and 24-bit A-to-D converters. Each channel contains a three-segment level meter, a continuously variable gain knob, a phase reverse switch, 48-volt phantom power, and a rumble filter with an 85Hz rolloff. In addition, each pair of channels can be Stereo Linked for stereo operation in a Pro16 Monitor Mixing System.

The rear panel of the AN-16/i-M contains a host of professional connectivity features. Each channel has a combo jack that can accept either XLR mic or 1/4-inch line-level (balanced or unbalanced) inputs. Sixteen passive mic Thru connectors create a built-in microphone splitter. Balanced insert points with separate 1/4-inch Send and Return jacks allow easy interfacing with external processing devices. The sixteen insert Sends can also be used as a set of post-gain direct audio outputs. The AN-16/i-M uses an internal power supply with a standard IEC power connector.

Two parallel A-Net outputs allow the AN-16/i-M to send A-Net data to multiple destinations, allowing for simultaneous patching to a monitor console and a front-of-house console. Both A-Net outputs feature heavy duty Neutrik EtherCon combo RJ45 connectors. The built-in A-Net Expansion jack allows two 16-channel A-Net streams to be combined onto a single cable (32x0 or 16x16), and the AN-16SBR System Bridge can be used to combine up to four 16-channel streams onto a single cable in a variety of bi-directional configurations.

As with all Pro16 Series products, Cat-5e cable runs of up to 500 feet (150 meters) are possible between devices.